Spalding STEM Academy

5th grade students shared their acting talents about math skills and reading with expression in their reader’s theater performance of The Chance of a Lifetime.  #SpaldingSTEMAcademy #ForOurKids

Third grade students taught families about traits and adaptations of Idaho animals to showcase their learning with their fall project-based learning unit. #Spalding STEMAcademy #ForOurKids

The Spalding STEM Lost and Found is getting full. If your child is missing anything, consider if it might be here. #SpaldingSTEMAcademy #ForOurKids

Mrs. Johnson's class completed a STEM challenge to build catapults to project pumpkins and other things!

Spalding STEM 3rd grade students have been learning about animal traits and adaptations. They got to meet with Scott Jensen from the University of Idaho who talked to them about animals in Idaho and how they adapt and use their traits in their environment. They got to see a cow stomach, learn about sage grouse, and even touch a real cow pie! #SpaldingSTEMAcademy

Mrs. Johnson's class completed a STEM challenge to build a container to hold 253 pieces of popcorn out of paper, tape, and staples.

Mathematicians use intuition! Second grade students in Mrs. Magnuson's class were invited to make predictions about pumpkins. They had a hands-on and engaging learning experience. Making predictions and then verifying them using proper tools was an excellent way to reinforce critical thinking, measurement skills, and the scientific method. This kind of activity can foster a deeper understanding of concepts related to mathematics, biology, and observation. It's also a great opportunity for students to appreciate the importance of precision in scientific inquiry. This exercise likely encouraged active participation and curiosity among the students. This activity helped students learn about estimation, measurement, and the importance of accuracy in scientific inquiry. #SpaldingSTEMAcademy

Have you asked your Spalding S.T.E.M. student how they are doing in their keyboarding skills? We are starting to have more stars indicating students who have met some goals.

The Spalding S.T.E.M. PTO has started the next Box Tops competition. Money earned goes directly to supporting classrooms. Be sure to designate which teacher your child has in order for the teacher to receive that credit.

Spalding STEM has two Christmas Trees near the office which both have a special purpose. We are currently in the midst of our annual pajama drive benefiting children in need. Additionally, we have a giving tree which has ornaments listing current wishes of a child- the ornaments can be taken off the tree and returned on a wrapped gift. These projects benefit both Spalding STEM students and other children in the Treasure Valley.

The Spalding Robotics Team had a great time on Saturday at their second FLL scrimmage. They’re doing an amazing job learning coding and programming the robot they built to complete missions on the LEGO table.

Today is the Deadline: School of Choice lottery applications open for the 2024-25 school year from November 7th-30th. If you know of students who will be 5 years old by September 1st, 2024 or other students who would like to attend Spalding STEM Academy, please be sure to fill out the lottery application on the www.westada.org website to be considered.

Happy Thanksgiving from Spalding STEM Academy!

This week's Spalding Staff Spotlight is on our 4th grade team. Our 4 fourth grade teachers have a combined teaching experience of 50 years! This is team that knows how to move. Between them they have lived in 5 countries (including the United States), and 9 states (including Idaho). Here is all of the places that have been called home by at least one of these teachers: the United States and Idaho, 1-Italy, 1-Thailand, 1- China, 1- The Philippine Islands, 3-Missouri, 2-California, 1-Texas, 1-New Jersey, 1-Oregon, 1-Illinois, 1-Nebraska, 1-Utah. All four have taught in at least two different states and two have taught in at least one other country.

Spalding Staff Spotlight: Our 4 fifth grade teachers have a combined teaching experience of 95 years! They shared that 3 of them love to teach math, 2 love to teach social studies, and 1 loves to teach science. On this wonderful team, we have an excellent skier, someone with a relative who was accused of being a witch in the Salem Witch Trials, someone who loves to create (especially through crochet) and a bow hunter who was once recruited to become a professional bow hunter.

We are thrilled to be able to share our November Students of the Month for Spalding STEM. Each grade level chose one student who exemplified SOARing student behavior. We are so proud of these students and so glad they attend Spalding.

We are thrilled to be able to share our October Students of the Month for Spalding STEM. Each grade level chose one student who exemplified SOARing student behavior. We are so proud of these students and so glad they attend Spalding.

We are thrilled to be able to share our September Students of the Month for Spalding STEM. Each grade level chose one student who exemplified SOARing student behavior. We are so proud of these students and so glad they attend Spalding.

CTE OPEN HOUSE West Ada School District OCT 12, 2023 SAVE THE DATE!!!!!!!! WASD CTE - Career and Technical Education of West Ada School District invites you to the Career and Technical Education OPEN HOUSE on Thursday, November 9th from 5:00-7:00pm. Students currently in grades 5-10 and their families are invited to attend this event at either one of our CTE locations... Renaissance High School - 1307 E Central Drive in Meridian Programs: • Accounting • Business Management • Certified Nursing Assistant • Computer Science • Construction Trades • Culinary Arts • Digital Photo • Early Childhood Education Assistant • Emergency Medical Technician • Fire Services • Graphic Design • Law Enforcement • Pharmacy Technician • Pre-Engineering • Sports Medicine • Video Technology Meridian High School - Career Technical Center - 1900 W. Pine Avenue in Meridian Programs: • Animal Science • Automotive Technology • Collision Repair • Diesel Technology • Plant Sciences • Small Gas Engines • Welding Fabrication For more information on the vast amount of programs and offerings available to West Ada CTE students, please visit: https://www.westada.org/.../page/career-technical-education #WeAreWestAda #proudtobewasd #westadaready #westadacte

Spalding STEM Academy invites all potential incoming Kindergartener families for a tour on November 14, 2023, 4:30 to 5:30 P.M. Would you like your child to show creativity, use problem solving skills, and learn how to collaborate with others? Are you new to the Spalding community? Are you sending your child off to kindergarten? Come SOAR through the school and learn more about what makes Spalding great! The school tour will begin in the Spalding library.